Dive
The last time I dove into water I almost drowned. Or maybe it was the first time.
The details are f u z z y -
like the world appears from underwater.
Hold your breath, watch the waves splash gently over your body
no struggle, no noise,
just deep peaceful sleep.
Water burial - an apt ritual.
To be roughly awakened from your beautiful dream
by a pair of hands pulling at you, yanking you away from the serenity
till you rise kicking and screaming and covered in sand.
Water birth - naturally.
Wait
for another opportunity.
The last time I dove into water I didn't drown.
Or maybe it was the first time.
The last time I dove into water I almost drowned. Or maybe it was the first time.
The details are f u z z y -
like the world appears from underwater.
Hold your breath, watch the waves splash gently over your body
no struggle, no noise,
just deep peaceful sleep.
Water burial - an apt ritual.
To be roughly awakened from your beautiful dream
by a pair of hands pulling at you, yanking you away from the serenity
till you rise kicking and screaming and covered in sand.
Water birth - naturally.
Wait
for another opportunity.
The last time I dove into water I didn't drown.
Or maybe it was the first time.
Aishwarya Javalgekar (she/her) is a writer and poet from India. She has a Masters in English and is the founder and editor-in-chief of ang(st) zine. Her pieces have been published in Constellate Literary Magazine, The Incubator, armarolla, and Ink and Nebula. Her poetry stems from her experiences as a young woman and explores themes of love, relationships, mental health, and the body.